GTE Long Distance takes industry in new direction by passing on savings from newcalling plans to more than one million current customers.

Media contact(s)

IRVING, Texas - In a unique move for the telecommunications industry, GTE Long Distance is automatically passing along lower rates to more than one million customers.

"Typically, companies target only new customers when introducing lower rates," said Butch Bercher, president of GTE Communications Corporation. "We feel our existing customers shouldn't have to ask us for plans that will save them money. We're making it easy for our existing customers to benefit from lower rates without having to ask for them."

GTE's Smart Saver, the company's 10-cent a minute plan, will become GTE Nationwide Saver and offer rates as low as 5-cents a minute. GTE's 14-cent a minute Total Call plan will become GTE Any Time Saver and offer rates as low as 12-cents with no monthly recurring charge. Current GTE Smart Saver and Total Call customers will automatically receive the discounted rates, as will new customers who sign up for the plans.

"Introducing lower rates and passing them on automatically to customers makes great business sense for us," said Bercher. "It strengthens our relationship with customers, improves their satisfaction, and helps build the loyalty that's critical for profitable growth," Bercher said.

About GTE

GTE Long Distance is part of GTE Communications Corporation, a subsidiary of GTE Corporation ("GTE"). With 1998 revenues of more than $25 billion, GTE is one of the world's largest telecommunications companies and a leading provider of integrated telecommunications services. In the United States, GTE provides local service in 28 states and wireless service in 18 states; nationwide long-distance service and internetworking services ranging from dial-up Internet access for residential and small business consumers to Web-based applications for Fortune 500 companies; as well as video service in selected markets. Additional information about GTE can be obtained at http://www.gte.com.